A contingent of nearly 1,900 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of Bacolod City during the highly-anticipated MassKara Festival on Oct. 12 to 27, with a grand salubong today.
These include 1,199 personnel from the Philippine National Police, 330 from other agencies, 230 from force multipliers, and 100 from rescue groups and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Police Regional Office 6 director, Brig. General Jack Wanky, reminded his forces that the celebration is no ordinary festival, and that they play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety.
Twenty-five percent of the augmentation forces were immediately deployed after the sendoff ceremony Oct. 10, with the remaining personnel scheduled to arrive on Oct. 21, with the highlight activities, including the float parade and street-dance competitions, slated on the third week of this month.
“In anticipation of challenging days, we view the annual celebration of the MassKara Festival as a meaningful opportunity to highlight our commitment to peace, order, and security,” Wanky said.
The security personnel will be equipped with 57 mobile patrol cars, 51 motorcycles, three fire trucks, one man truck, 90 civil disturbance management equipment, and 320 handheld radios, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy, who delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Benitez during the sendoff, said that beyond the colorful and vibrant festival is the need for safety and order.
“Your presence in the festival ensures that the celebration remains peaceful, secure, and enjoyable for everyone. I know your training, dedication, and commitment to duty will allow you to fulfill these tasks,” she added.
Wanky also presided over the security coordinating conference on the MassKara Festival at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City, and stressed PRO6’s primary mandate of securing peace and order and ensuring the success of the world-renowned festivity.
He also said that the request for a gun ban in Bacolod City, from Oct. 11 to 28, has been submitted to the PNP national headquarters.
The PNP is assessing the need for signal jamming, and is awaiting intelligence validation regarding any possible threat, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF), the festival’s organizer, said in a statement.
Additionally, they have requested for an executive order to ban drone-flying over festival sites, except for those operated by the PNP and the BYF.
The festivity’s Sapphire Edition has four major festival sites, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.
Major events include the MassKaralympics on Oct. 4-25; MassKaNamit cookfest, Oct. 15-17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, Oct. 19; Lacson MassKara 2024: Kingdom, Oct. 25-27; MassKarade Ball, Oct. 25; electric MassKara, Oct. 26; and MassKara street dance and arena competition on Oct. 27.
Bacolod City Police Office director, Col. Joeresty Coronica, assures a “zero crime” incident, saying that security measures will be intensified at festival sites, including the Paglaum Sports Complex where the street-dance and closing program will be held Oct. 27.
Joining the sendoff ceremony were BYF president Katherine Matiling, councilors Sy and Jason Villarosa, and other BYF and city officials. ||
